Loving Your People Beyond Politics: Building Bridges in Divided Times

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos and division that seem to permeate every corner of our lives. Political leaders and systems often thrive on creating divides, pitting us against one another in ways that distract from the shared humanity we all possess. But here’s the truth: no matter what side of the political fence someone is on, most people want the same fundamental things—freedom, security, safety, and the ability to earn a living that supports their dreams, families, and way of being.

Even those who voted for the current administration, despite the chaos it may have sown, likely share these desires. What many may not realize is that the leaders they trusted often prioritize their own monetary gain over the well-being of the people they serve. This isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a systemic one. And while we can’t always control the actions of those in power, we can control how we treat one another. We can choose to love our people, regardless of their political beliefs, and work together to create a sense of mutual flourishing.

The Power of Mutual Flourishing

Robin Wall Kimmerer, in her book The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, speaks to the idea of mutual flourishing—a concept rooted in reciprocity and shared abundance. It’s a reminder that we are all interconnected, and that our collective well-being depends on how we care for one another. When we focus on building bridges instead of walls, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive, regardless of political affiliation.

Mutual flourishing isn’t about ignoring our differences or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about recognizing that those differences don’t have to divide us. It’s about finding common ground in our shared desires for freedom, security, and a better future for our families. It’s about listening to one another with empathy and compassion, even when we disagree.

Choosing Love Over Division

Loving your people—your family, friends, neighbors, and community—means choosing connection over conflict. It means seeing beyond the labels and stereotypes that politics often impose and recognizing the humanity in each person. It means standing together in the face of systems that seek to divide us and saying, “We will not be broken.”

This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone or compromise your values. It means holding space for dialogue, understanding, and respect. It means acknowledging that we all have a role to play in creating a world where mutual flourishing is possible. One woman I follow on Instagram closes almost every video with "We can do this. Love your neighbor!" I think we CAN do this. We can choose to re-act in a new way!

A Call to Action

As we navigate these challenging times, let’s commit to loving our people, no matter what side of the political fence they’re on. Let’s focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone has the freedom, security, and opportunity to thrive.

This is not just a political statement—it’s a human one. It’s a call to rise above the chaos and division and choose love, connection, and reciprocity. Because at the end of the day, we are all in this together. And together, we can create a world where mutual flourishing is not just a dream, but a reality.

Read Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. It changed my way of thinking and my life. Maybe it will yours, too!

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer